LV. WALKING SOFTLY.
105. Florence Nightingale.
A long time ago there was a war, and the English soldiers went out to fight. Many of the poor fellows were wounded, and a kind lady, who is now quite old, went from England to nurse the brave soldiers. Her name was Florence Nightingale, and it is a name that everybody loves.
The soldiers had never been nursed by a lady before, and she was so kind and gentle, they loved her more than I can tell you—so much, indeed, that they would kiss her shadow on the pillow as she walked softly through the rooms where they lay.
If you have ever been in a hospital you will know how quietly the nurses move about. Why is it? Because a noise would disturb the poor sufferers. But it is not nice for people who are well either to hear children stamping about as if they would send their feet through the floor. Have you noticed how softly pussy moves? It is because she walks on her toes. We have to wear shoes on our feet, and cannot help making a little noise, but we must remember to step on our toes, and move as quietly as possible.
(Blackboard.)
Try always to Walk Softly.
LVI. ANSWERING WHEN SPOKEN TO.[20]
One day a lady was passing through a country village, and not being quite sure as to which was the right road to take, she went up to some boys who were playing on the green to inquire.
"Can you tell me, please, which is the way to East Thorpe?" asked the lady.
"Yes, ma'am," said one of the boys, raising his cap, "you walk straight past the church, and then take the first road to the right." The lady thanked the boy, and bade him "Good-day," and as he replied "Good-day, ma'am," and again raised his cap, she thought to herself, "What a civil, polite boy! He is very poorly dressed, but he has the manners of a gentleman, and how nicely he answered when I spoke to him; I must tell Dorothy about it."
Dorothy was the lady's little niece, and had been staying with her some time. One afternoon auntie had taken Dorothy with her to call at the house of a friend, and when the lady spoke kindly to the little girl, and asked her name and where she lived, Dorothy only smiled and looked foolish, and did not speak or answer. Her auntie was very much surprised, and perhaps felt a wee bit ashamed of her little niece that afternoon.
Children should never be bold and forward, but they should look up and answer a question fearlessly and clearly when they are asked one; it is so foolish to simper and not speak.
(Blackboard.)
Always Answer when you are Spoken To.